Milan-Stella Rossa: 1-1 - Europa League 2020/2021. Final result and commentary from the game

Stadium Giuseppe Meazza di Milano
February 25th, 2021 ore 21:00
Milan
1
Stella Rossa
1
Game over
Arbitro: Jesús Gil Manzano
  1. 9' 1-0 Franck Kessié (R)
  2. 24' 1-1 El Fardou Mohamed Ben Nabouhane

Diretta-Live

Where the match is played:
Stadium: Giuseppe Meazza
City: Milano
Capacity for: 80074 people20:25

Hello everyone and welcome to live text coverage of the Europa League last 32 second leg between AC Milan and Red Star Belgrade at San Siro.20:25

This tie is finely poised following a 2-2 draw in the Serbian capital last week, although those two away goals mean that the advantage is marginally with Milan heading into the game.20:26

AC MILAN (4-3-3): Gianluigi Donnarumma; Davide Calabria, Alessio Romagnoli (captain), Fikayo Tomori, Diego Dalot; Rade Krunic, Franck Kessie, Soualiho Meite; Samu Castillejo, Hakan Calhanoglu, Rafael Leao.20:33

SUBS: Ciprian Tatarusanu, Sandro Tonali, Ante Rebic, Matteo Gabbia, Simon Kjaer, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pierre Kalulu, Theo Hernandez, Brahim Diaz, Alexis Saelemaekers, Antonio Donnarumma.20:34

RED STAR BELGRADE (3-4-3): Milan Borjan (captain); Radovan Pankov, Milos Degenek, Sekou Sanogo; Milan Gajic, Guelor Kanga, Slavoljub Srnic, Marko Gobeljic; El Fardou Ben, Diego Falcinelli, Mirko Ivanic.20:34

SUBS: Zoran Popovic, Nikola Krstovic, Filippo Falco, Zeljko Gavric, Aleksandar Katai, Milan Pavkov, Veljko Nikolic, Aleksa Vukanovic, Njegos Petrovic, Marko Copic.20:36

Stefano Pioli makes six changes to the Milan side that were swept aside 3-0 by rivals Internazionale at the weekend. The five players that remain from Sunday are Gianluigi Donnarumma, Davide Calabria, Alessio Romagnoli, Franck Kessie and Hakan Calhanoglu. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has to settle for a place on the bench alongside Ante Rebic and Brahim Diaz.20:43

Dejan Stankovic follows suit with six alterations from Red Star's win over Spartak Subotica in the Serbian Super Liga. Among those to keep his place is leading marksman Mirko Ivanic while Aleksandar Katai - their top scorer in this season's Europa League - is on the bench. Following his red card in the first leg, Milan Rodic is suspended.20:48

Milan have prevailed on both occasions that they have faced Red Star in European competition - doing so over two legs in the 1988-89 European Cup and 2006-07 Champions League. Ironically, they went on to lift the trophy each time. A good omen, perhaps?20:49

The players are out and kick-off is moments away.20:58

1'

The referee blows his whistle and Red Star get the second leg underway.21:00

3'

Red Star have played in the Europa League in all but three seasons since the renaming of the competition in 2009. Today, they are aiming to reach the last 16 for the first time.21:04

5'

Playing in their all-white strip, Milan enjoy a good spell of early pressure. Following this, they force a corner as an attempted cross deflects behind.21:06

7'

Krunic appeals for handball after his shot strikes the arm of Gobeljic. The referee was not interested initially, but we are going to VAR...21:08

8'

PENALTY TO MILAN! After consulting with his pitchside monitor, the referee points to the spot and books Gobeljic for his troubles.21:09

9'

KESSIE!!! 1-0 MILAN! The Ivorian steps up to the spot and calmly sends the goalkeeper the wrong way. The hosts have the advantage at San Siro!

See Franck Kessié's player card21:09

11'

Good defending! Milan go in search of a second goal in quick succession with Leao leading the charge. However, Degenek tracks his run all the way and makes a well-timed sliding challenge.21:12

13'

Today marks the Rossoneri's 11th match in this season's Europa League. After coming through two qualifying rounds as well as the play-offs, Pioli's men then topped Group H with 13 points from a possible 18.21:14

15'

Red Star look to respond after a quarter of an hour. They are awarded a corner and free-kick during a positive spell, but are unable to capitalise on either opportunity.21:16

17'

It is well worth noting that the reigning Serbian champions are on a 20-game unbeaten run in all competitions. You have to go back to a 2-0 reverse by Hoffenheim in October for the last time they tasted defeat.21:18

19'

OFFSIDE, NO GOAL! Red Star think they have equalised as Ben bundles home from close range. However, the ball struck the arm of Pankov before the Comoros international put it in the net.21:20

21'

The visitors may have been disappointed not to bring themselves on level terms, but they will be pleased with their response to falling behind. It is important that they maintain these performance levels and hope it will pave the way to a route back into the tie.21:22

22'

OFF THE BAR! After just having a goal ruled out, the woodwork denies Ben on this occasion. The Red Star striker steps up after a free-kick is awarded on the edge of the box, but his left-footed shot cannons against the upright.21:23

24'

BEN!!! 1-1! If at first you don't succeed, try and try again! Receiving the ball from Ivanic after good movement, Ben takes a touch before drilling a low shot through the legs of Romagnoli and into the far corner of the net. Red Star are level and they thoroughly deserve to be.21:26

24'

Ivanic picked out the run of Ben, who did the rest in clinical fashion.21:26

26'

Third time lucky for Ben! After having a goal disallowed and hitting the bar, the striker's persistance pays dividends for Red Star. The visitors certainly have their tails up at the moment.21:28

28'

Could Stankovic be in for another memorable day at San Siro. The Red Star boss is back on familiar territory having spent 10 years with Milan's rivals Inter; making over 300 appearances, winning five Serie A titles and lifting the 2010 Champions League.21:31

30'

As for Red Star, this year marks the 30th anniversary of their European Cup triumph. They would certainly love to celebrate the occasion with another strong run in this competition.21:32

32'

As things stand, Red Star do still require another goal in order to advance to the last 16 of the Europa League. However, they will be very pleased with their performance so far and time is definitely on their side at the moment.21:34

34'

Looking for that second goal, Kanga tries his luck for Red Star. But his effort is never going to trouble Donnarumma as it goes well wide of the target.21:35

36'

Milan look to restore their authority on the contest as Kessie and Calhanoglu play a neat one-two, before the former's cross is deflected behind for a corner.21:37

37'

GREAT SAVE! Borjan to Red Star's rescue! Despite having team-mates to aim for in the box, Castillejo pulls the ball behind them to an unmarked Dalot at the far post. Fortunately for the visitors, tremendous reflexes from Borjan deny the Manchester United loanee.21:39

39'

Milan continue to apply pressure to the Red Star defence. A clever ball gets Leao in behind for the hosts, but he is rightly ruled offside before getting his shot away.21:40

41'

Worrying signs for Red Star as Ibrahimovic begins warming up on the touchline. While Milan have looked threatening going forward, his presence would certainly add another dimension for the hosts.21:42

43'

Red Star take a free-kick short to Kanga, who opts to try his luck from distance. Although his effort is ambitious, it is not too far wide of the target in all fairness.21:43

45'

Srnic takes out Krunic on the edge of the box and can have no complaints as he goes into the book.21:46

45'+1'

Calhanoglu goes for power with the resulting free-kick. However, his fierce strike is always rising and way off-target.21:46

45'+2'

HALF-TIME: AC MILAN 1-1 RED STAR BELGRADE21:47

Honours even at San Siro, where AC Milan and Red Star Belgrade are locked at 1-1. Franck Kessie’s penalty was cancelled out by a terrific finish by El Fardou Ben but as things stand, it would be the Rossoneri that progress to the Europa League last 16 on the away-goal rule.21:47

It has been an entertaining game so far and you feel the next goal will be crucial in terms of deciding who progresses to the next round.22:02

46'

Milan make a double-change at the break. The first sees Zlatan Ibrahimovic introduced with Leao making way.22:02

46'

Krunic also goes off to be replaced by Ante Rebic.22:02

46'

A change for Red Star, too, as Njegos Petrovic replaces Srnic.22:03

46'

Milan get the ball rolling once more.22:03

48'

Certainly not shy of shooting, Kanga tries his luck from range once more. The Red Star midfielder's effort is off-target, but Donnarumma watches it all the way wide.22:05

50'

It has been a bright start to this second half by Red Star, who are chasing a sixth consecutive victory away from home in all competitions.22:08

53'

At the other end, Ibrahimovic gets involved for the first time. The Swede plays a neat one-two with Kessie, before shooting straight at the goalkeeper.22:10

54'

Moments later, Ibrahimovic looks to cushion a header into the path of fellow substitute Rebic, who is just unable to provide the vital touch.22:10

56'

Milan have struggled at home in recent times, losing three of their last six games at San Siro. During that span, they have either kept a clean sheet or conceded three goals. Of course, they will hope that trend does not continue here.22:16

59'

As we approach the hour mark at San Siro, the tie remains level at 3-3 on aggregate. Remember as things stand, Milan would progress on the away-goal rule.22:18

61'

Ivanic drives Red Star forward at the other end, before his left-footed shot deflects behind for a corner. The visitors will look to make the most of this set-piece.22:18

63'

Ibrahimovic charges down Borjan's attempted clearance from out of his hands and is booked. That was a daft one to pick up in all fairness.22:21

65'

Milan are awarded a free-kick around 25 yards from goal. Ibrahimovic will certainly fancy this one...22:23

66'

A double-change for Milan. The first sees Theo Hernandez replace Calabria.22:23

66'

Castillejo also makes way for Alexis Saelemaekers.22:23

67'

After waiting for the substitutions to be made, Ibrahimovic generates plenty of power in his free-kick delivery, but Borjan holds onto it.22:24

68'

WHAT A SAVE! Sanogo is completely unmarked at the far post and turns his volley towards goal, but Donnarumma produces brilliant reflexes to somehow keep it out. Gobeljic subsequently fires the rebound wide of the target.22:26

69'

A double-change for Red Star this time. The first sees Aleksandar Katai replace Kanga.22:26

69'

Ben also makes way to be replaced by Filippo Falco.22:27

70'

RED CARD! GOBELJIC IS OFF! Red Star down to 10 men. Already on a yellow card, the defender bundles over Calhanoglu and can have few complaints as he is sent for an early bath.22:28

72'

Almost immediately, Red Star turn to the bench with Milan Pavkov replacing Falcinelli.22:29

74'

OFFSIDE, NO GOAL! Saelemaekers is denied by the offside flag. The substitute finishes brilliantly on the volley from Ibrahimovic's cushioned ball into the area. However, his joy is short-lived as Ibrahimovic was just beyond the last defender when the ball was played to him.22:32

76'

Less than a quarter of an hour remaining at San Siro. The advantage remains with Milan, who were certainly boosted after Red Star were reduced to 10 men. You feel it would take a monumental effort for the visitors to prevail here, but it is not beyond their capabilities by any means.22:34

78'

A draw would be enough to take the Rossoneri through to the next round, but it would extend their winless run in all competitions to four games. That is something they must look to address in their quest to claim a first Scudetto in 10 years, having recently relinquished top spot in Serie A.22:45

81'

Dalot looks to get Milan moving as he finds Ibrahimovic in the Red Star half. However, the Swede is ruled offside - not for the first time today.22:39

83'

Can Red Star find a dramatic winner? You feel that a second goal here would be enough to take them through to the Europa League last 16 for the first time.22:41

84'

Another throw of the dice from the visitors with Ivanic replaced by Veljko Nikolic.22:41

86'

Less than five minutes for Milan to hold on at San Siro. As things stand, the seven-time European Cup winners are set to advance to the round of 16.22:45

88'

If history is anything to go by, Milan's name is on the trophy. After overcoming Red Star in their two previous European ties, they went all the way to glory. Could it be third time lucky this season?22:53

90'

Red Star turn up the pressure as they desperately try to keep their Europa League adventure alive. However, they are unable to find a way through the blanket of white shirts.22:53

90'+1'

We are going to have three additional minutes at the end of this game. Milan are almost there.22:48

90'+3'

FULL-TIME: AC MILAN 1-1 RED STAR BELGRADE - Milan win on the away-goal rule.22:50

AC Milan progress to the Europa League last 16 on the away-goal rule after playing out a 3-3 aggregate draw with Red Star Belgrade. The sides drew 1-1 at San Siro today with Franck Kessie's penalty cancelled out by El Fardou Ben for Red Star, who finished with 10 men after Marko Gobeljic was sent off for a second bookable offence. The Rossoneri narrowly advance and ensure their name is in the hat for the last-16 draw.22:53

Milan's attention returns to their Serie A title bid this weekend as they take on Roma in what promises to be a tough test of their credentials. As for Red Star, they resume their quest for a 31st Serbian Super Liga crown at home to Proleter Novi Sad.22:55

Thank you for following our live text coverage. Until next time, goodbye!22:56

PRE MATCH

Milan - Stella Rossa is a round of 32 match of Europa League 2020/2021.
The match will be 25 february at 21:00 in the stadium Giuseppe Meazza in Milano.
Referee of Milan - Stella Rossa will be Jesús Gil Manzano with the help of Diego Barbero Sevilla e Ángel Nevado Rodríguez. At VAR there will be Alejandro José Hernández Hernández.

Milan in the group phase met Celtic, Sparta Prague, Lille, Slovan Liberec and Gent passing the group with 13 points while Stella Rossa met TSG Hoffenheim, Gent and Slovan Liberec passing the group with 11 points.

Where to see Milan-Stella Rossa - Europa League 2020/2021, streaming and live broadcast
You can see the live match Milan-Stella Rossa here on Virgilio Sport starting 21:00 CET on 25 february.
Milan-Stella Rossa will be visible on Sky Italia platform, channel Sky Sport and Sky Calcio. The match will be delivered on streaming with Sky Go.

Here you can find Europa League standings

Lineups Milan - Stella Rossa

STARTING TEAM MILAN
  • (99) GIANLUIGI DONNARUMMA (P)
  • (23) FIKAYO TOMORI (D)
  • (13) ALESSIO ROMAGNOLI (D)
  • (5) DIOGO DALOT (D)
  • (2) DAVIDE CALABRIA (D)
  • (10) HAKAN CALHANOGLU (C)
  • (33) RADE KRUNIC (C)
  • (79) FRANCK KESSIÉ (C)
  • (7) SAMU CASTILLEJO (C)
  • (18) SOUALIHO MEITÉ (C)
  • (17) RAFAEL LEÃO (A)
SUBS MILAN
  • (56) ALEXIS SAELEMAEKERS (C)
  • (20) PIERRE KALULU (D)
  • (19) THEO HERNÁNDEZ (D)
  • (8) SANDRO TONALI (C)
  • (21) BRAHIM DÍAZ (A)
  • (11) ZLATAN IBRAHIMOVIC (A)
  • (90) ANTONIO DONNARUMMA (P)
  • (24) SIMON KJAER (D)
  • (46) MATTEO GABBIA (C)
  • (1) CIPRIAN TATARUSANU (P)
  • (12) ANTE REBIC (A)
COACH MILAN
  • Stefano Pioli
STARTING TEAM STELLA ROSSA
  • (82) MILAN BORJAN (P)
  • (6) RADOVAN PANKOV (D)
  • (2) MILAN GAJIC (D)
  • (77) MARKO GOBELJIC (D)
  • (5) MILOS DEGENEK (D)
  • (8) GUÉLOR KANGA KAKU (C)
  • (35) SEKOU SANOGO (C)
  • (55) SLAVOLJUB SRNIC (C)
  • (4) MIRKO IVANIC (C)
  • (31) EL FARDOU MOHAMED BEN NABOUHANE (C)
  • (16) DIEGO FALCINELLI (A)
SUBS STELLA ROSSA
  • (99) NIKOLA KRSTOVIC (A)
  • (20) NJEGOS PETROVIC (C)
  • (22) VELJKO NIKOLIC (C)
  • (1) ZORAN POPOVIC (P)
  • (92) ALEKSA VUKANOVIC (A)
  • (9) MILAN PAVKOV (A)
  • (24) ZELJKO GAVRIC (C)
  • (32) MARKO COPIC (P)
  • (11) FILIPPO FALCO (C)
  • (10) ALEKSANDAR KATAI (C)
COACH STELLA ROSSA
  • Dejan Stankovic

Match stats MILAN STELLA ROSSA